Dorsey wouldn't say whom he regarded as the top pass-rusher. The 6-foot-2, 252-pound Ford also must make the transition to outside linebacker in Kansas City's 3-4 system after playing defensive end at Auburn.

Dorsey, though, believes it shouldn't take too long for Ford to make an impact on a Chiefs defense that already has two top sack specialists in Justin Houston (11 in 2013) and Tamba Hali (11). The speedy Ford registered 10.5 sacks as a senior to help lead the Tigers into last season's national championship game against Florida State.

"What he will do during the course of the game is spell guys," Dorsey said. "That gives you the ability to have your guys fresh rushing the passer late in the game."

It also should be noted that Houston and Hali failed to register a sack of Peyton Manning in two regular-season losses to Denver last year that ruined Kansas City's chances of winning the AFC West (Houston missed the second game with an injury).

"We all understand you can't have enough good pass-rushers because it's going to make that back seven look better the quicker you get to the quarterback," Dorsey said.

As for his own quarterback, Dorsey is optimistic the Chiefs will be able to strike a deal with quarterback Alex Smith as he prepares to enter the final year of his contract.

"We've had continual conversations with his representatives," said Dorsey, whose team acquired Smith from San Francisco for two second-round picks in the 2013 offseason. "We're at that point now where we're going back and forth. Eventually, as (with) all negotiations, there will be a medium point where both sides agree. Time will move on and we'll go to the next project.

"This thing will go on for a little bit. There's a degree of patience here. There's no reason to rush. We haven't even gotten into rookie minicamp yet."

The Chiefs do have a rookie who could prove Smith's heir apparent in Aaron Murray. The former University of Georgia standout, who is still recovering from a torn anterior cruciate ligament suffered last November, was the highest-rated player remaining on Kansas City's draft board when he was selected in the fifth round.